- Running has both physical and mental benefits. Physically, running has been proven to be a great way to lose weight. The best way for overweight people to improve their health is to begin to eat right and exercise, especially doing cardiovascular workouts such as running or playing sports. Running also improves cardiovascular stamina, making you run longer distances with greater ease. It burns calories, makes you become more muscular, and puts you in generally better health.
- Running can be beneficial on an emotional level, as well. It has been found that being active in general, particularly running, has a positive impact on people's emotional state, keeping them active and possibly reducing depression. Running is a good way to get your mind off the day's problems, and gets you out of the house during stressful times.
- People who start running without preparation put themselves at risk for injuries. Common injuries include shin splints, when the muscles and tendons in your legs become strained from a sudden increase in exercise. Other common injuries are pulled muscles, muscle tendinitis and plantar fasciitis, or an inflammation of the bottom of your heel. Stretching and eating a healthy meal before running can help you avoid injury.
- Running has been part of the Olympics since the beginning. It has become a staple of high school and collegiate athletics, both in track and field and cross-country, but also in other sports. Football and soccer use running as training to get in better physical conditioning for the season. Marathons have increased in popularity over the years. A typical marathon such as the Boston Marathon or the New York City Marathon is 26.2 miles and is not for the average runner. If you want to get involved in races, a good starting point is a 5K, or 5,000 m. This is the equivalent of 3.1 miles, and is a realistic goal for most casual runners.
- The best way to start running is by stretching out your leg muscles, eating potassium-rich foods like bananas, wearing proper running shoes and warming up by lightly jogging before setting out for a run. When you run, don't try to go more than a couple of miles at first, because your body may not hold up for the duration. Work your way up to longer distances, and don't be afraid to walk when you tire out. When your run is complete, cool down with a jog or walk in the similar way you warmed up, and stay hydrated with water or Gatorade to replenish what you lost.
